Sharon Jones Cummings
We believe that giving back to our community is very important during this time of fiscal restraint and declining resources for many community based organizations. It is these organizations that get hit the hardest during a recession and the end user- the people who need services the most, get left behind.
In addition to helping to raise funds for selected charities that our partners request our assistance for, Authentic Contemporary Art also works to provide funding for charities that we feel are doing important work in the community.
This year, we have continued to promote the work of the international humanitarian organization CARE, but also selected community based organizations that provide services closer to home.
One of the charities that Authentic Contemporary Art is working with this year is Teen Sircles, based in Prince George’s County, Maryland. Teen Sircles is our principle beneficiary of Shop 4 Art and some upcoming events.
We recently interviewed Sharon Jones Cummings, founder of Teen Sircles to share the work that they are doing in the Prince George’s County area.
AV: What is Teen Sircles and what was the inspiration to start this organization?
Teen Sircles, Inc. is an IRS approved 501(c)3 non-profit organization that uses critical thinking concepts to mentor youth. I was inspired by the girls that I encountered while growing up in Baltimore City, Maryland and the women that I have helped while serving in the US Army and throughout my life. So many of our young women lack self-esteem and the support system to make a change.
AV: What population does Teen Sircles serve? Why this population?
We serve teen girls between the age of 12 and 16. Statistics show that some youth are being twarted out of childhood as early as 10 years old. The pre-teen and teenage years are filled with exposure to new ideas and tend to shape the early adult years and beyond. In addition, we can assist in helping to find money for college.
AV: What services and programs do you provide?
We offer a variety of services and program geared toward helping both our members and the community at large. From workshops to food drives, we strive to make the communitites in which we live better.
The Achievement, Confidence, and Empowerment (ACE) program provides guidance on self-image, personal care, financial planning, goal setting, and relationship building. This fall, we are offering a program called Think, Plan, Do! (TPD) that teaches the nuances of entreprenuerism and rewards those who work to successfully create and implement a business plan.
In 2009, we had our 1st Annual Thankful to Give Day which benefited the DC Kitchen and other local organizations that fed families during the Thanksgiving holiday.
AV: What special events are coming up to allow the public to learn more about Teen Sircles?
Our website, www.teensircles.org is the best source for information on upcoming events.
AV: Do you need volunteers or sponsors? If so, what specific needs does Teen Sircles have?
Yes, we need volunteers and sponsors. In particular, we are in need of mentors, fundraising committee members, and committe members/sponsors for our events.
Our Think, Plan, Do! program is in need of business owners and planners who can mentor in the following areas: market analysis, budgeting, sales pitching, and launch. All mentors and youth interacting volunteers must submit to a background check and fingerprinting.
6. How can someone who has a daughter get her involved?
Simply by following 3 easy steps: 1. Download or request and application packet. 2. Fax the completed application to 877-262-9006 or mail it to Teen Sircles, Inc. P.O. Box 1921 Clinton, MD 20735 3. Come out and participate!
